Barack Obama says he understands why Michelle is a ‘fashion icon’

Former first lady earned high praise for her striking wine-coloured ensemble at President Joe Biden’s inauguration

Former President Barack Obama complimented the striking burgundy outfit his wife Michelle Obama wore to President Joe Biden's inauguration, saying he understood why his wife was "a fashion icon”. 

Sitting in for a virtual conversation hosted by the Black-owned independent bookstore Mahogany Books and the Very Smart Brothas Book Club, Barack Obama was asked about his spouse's “inauguration drip” (Michelle Obama earned high praise for her plum-coloured ensemble, held together with a gold belt, during the inauguration ceremony on 20 January).

“I don't know what it is about y'all, with Michelle and her belts,” the former president said.

“I asked Michelle about it at dinner the other night. I said, ‘Listen baby, you are gorgeous. You know, I understand completely why you are a fashion icon.’ But, I said, ‘Was your hair different? ’Cause it didn't look that different.'”

“Anyway, so I don't have an answer other than just knowing she looks good and looks better than me,” he added.

Michelle's look came from LA designer Sergio Hudson. She was also styled by Meredith Koop, who wrote about working with the former first lady in an emotional Instagram post.

“I’ve trained to myself to try to think through every possible scenario,” Koop wrote in a post to Instagram after the inauguration. “I can’t even begin to tell you the thoughts that run through my head the night before something big.”

“If my client is comfortable, she’s confident. She can show up and not be worried about her clothes or the height of her heel and STILL look fierce as hell,” Koop continued. "Beyond any symbolism I am thinking through or any fashion fantasies I may have, THAT is the essence of my professional relationship with Michelle.

"I have learned to respect her consistent sense of practicality and pragmatism (Capricorn) dressing her in pieces she can live, move and inspire in. I am honored that she trusts me to do what I do, to ideate and execute looks with freedom, to be creative and, yes, to use fashion to send a message and to give a platform to artists/designers.”